According to iWatch Duluth, a mobile crime watch tool that allows community members to report criminal or suspicious activity, it's a growing concern.

"I'm not really worried about the stealing of phones, although that is an issue," Charlie Comnick, a smart phone user, said.

But not all agree.

Some are taking extra precautions to protect their mobile devices.

"If it's the difference between, you know, loosing your phone for good and getting it back, it makes a lot of sense," Bob Monahan, a smart phone user, said.

Duluth police say they expect the number of thefts won't be going down anytime soon.

"Where we see that crime happening the most is where a bag, or a briefcase, or a purse, or something along that line, is left unattended it's a crime of opportunity," Jim Hansen, a Duluth Public Information Officer, said.

With decreased use of landlines and the rise of cell phones, the numbers of thefts are likely to increase.

"There's no doubt about it. They are going to sell and try to pawn that phone off, typically. As we know now with GPS and so fourth, people aren't hanging on to them too long. They are going to dump them right away," Hansen said.

Officer Hansen says one of the best and easy ways to prevent your phone from being stolen is to keep it on you like in a pocket or in a bag...but if it is taken, there are easy ways to track it down.

"I run my whole life off this phone and if I loose this phone I'd totally be out of luck," Craig Rhode Jr., a web analyst, said.

Whether you use your device for taking pictures, storing contacts, or just simply to make a call, getting the right apps may save you a big headache down the road.